Shanghai Circus World

Shanghai Circus World is widely regarded as one of the greatest acrobatic acts in the world.

Housed in a geodesic dome in a northern suburb of Shanghai, the troupe of accomplished performers puts on a dazzling show three times a week that melds modern lighting and staging effects with traditional Chinese acrobatics, magic, dance, animals, and music.

The acts range from traditional bowl balancing and trampoline shows to newer styles of artistic trapeze. The performance typically culminates with a death-defying motorcycle stunt in which four bikers zoom around a spherical steel cage at terrifying speeds.

Update August 2018: This venue is closed for renovations for the indefinite future (some report it’s possibly closed for good).